Human rights activists to keep eye on Kadyrov

Akhmad Kadyrov and various human rights organizations will work together in the issue of repatriation of Chechen refugees from Ingushetia, Ella Pamfilova, head of the Russian presidential human rights commission, stated on January 30, during her visit to Chechnya and Ingushetia.

According to her, "Kadyrov is a reality we cannot change, and so we have to use this opportunity to help the people." "If Kadyrov issues orders, someone has to check their fulfillment. And this is the task for human rights defenders," she explained.

Kadyrov is the man who will bear responsibility for any rights violations of the refugees, she said after visiting refugee camps in Ingushetia. "I'm very displeased by the fact that in these camps there are officials of various state agencies who cannot talk with the people humanly. Instead of satisfying people, they puff themselves up and act like big shots," said Ms Pamfilova.

She also stressed that forcible repatriation of refugees as well as setting a deadline for closing the camps could not be allowed.

The agreement on interaction was reached in Grozny during a meeting between Kadyrov, members of the presidential commission and activists of the Human Rights Center "Memorial".

Editors note: See also the article "Presidential Commission on Human Rights chairwoman studies situation with Chechen refugees' home-coming".